Basic Bank Account Thread

shikarishuffle

hi just wondering if anyone can help:

looking to open a basic bank account but i am struggling with the i.d. i don't have another bank account or any bills to this address (i live with my parents) and i don't have any photographic i.d either (just my birth certificate)

things i do have: my benefit books (i am on job seekers allowance), letters from UCAS (starting university soon), original birth certificate, a letter from the tax people earlier this year (i'm not really sure what it is, but it has how much tax i've paid on it for this year)

i'm in a lot of debt and really need to open an account to start repaying. i have applied for natwest online but need i.d i don't have, is it worth ringing them? does anyone have any experience?

thanks

davethorp

Full list of what ID Natwest need HERE

Your benefit books or a letter from the benefit agency along with your letter from the tax office should be sufficient looking at that list. Your uni card when you enroll and a letter off UCAS may do as well especially if you are going for a student account although you may struggle to get a student account if you've had problems in the past

rita-rabbit

This account no longer exists - what replaced it?

I need 2 apply for a basic bank account so I can arrange for my wages to be paid into it (ie current acc is overdrawn & not helping solve the credit card debts) am awaiting the CCCS debt repayment plan to kick in.

"'Sterling Current Account'.

Why is he mentioning this I hear you cry!

There has been a lot of discussion on this board over the past three months regarding this account as CitiBank appear to have a very flexible eligability criteria for the account. Many members have successfully opened an account even with adverse credit histories. I therefore highly recommend trying to open a CitiBank account before continuing down the route of a Basic Bank Account. This account is a full account, and even offers £500 interest free overdraft and chequebook (if your eligable) and even if your not, most people are still able to open the account, complete with Visa Debit Card. Many of the features I just mentioned are not available on Basic Accounts so I again urge you to try and apply for this account first before continuing."

katy_ann

rita-rabbit wrote: »

This account no longer exists - what replaced it?

I need 2 apply for a basic bank account so I can arrange for my wages to be paid into it (ie current acc is overdrawn & not helping solve the credit card debts) am awaiting the CCCS debt repayment plan to kick in.

"'Sterling Current Account'.

Why is he mentioning this I hear you cry!

There has been a lot of discussion on this board over the past three months regarding this account as CitiBank appear to have a very flexible eligability criteria for the account. Many members have successfully opened an account even with adverse credit histories. I therefore highly recommend trying to open a CitiBank account before continuing down the route of a Basic Bank Account. This account is a full account, and even offers £500 interest free overdraft and chequebook (if your eligable) and even if your not, most people are still able to open the account, complete with Visa Debit Card. Many of the features I just mentioned are not available on Basic Accounts so I again urge you to try and apply for this account first before continuing."

I dont understand, usually when people need to open a basic bank account they dont want an overdraft etc as they need to pay off the debt they owe. That is the point of a basic bank account, does what it says on the tin.

Anyways Ive opened a basic bank account with co-op bank

shikarishuffle

hi wonder if anyone can help: went to natwest today to open a basic account, only to be told that i didn't have the right i.d (have applied for something from the HMRC off their second list) however the cashier tried to get me to open a student account and i told him i would be declined, he then told me that all bank accounts including basic are credit checked.

i had read on here that you should be able to get a basic bank account despite debt but i am now really worried, i really need a bank account to start repaying my debts.

pmduk

Have you tried opening the account online? This often, but not always, avoids the need to produce id in branch

united66

Does the citibank sterling current account still exist? I can't seem to find it anywhere. Only citiplus account and citigold account?

katy_ann

Got my paperwork through from co-op bank and they have said "please can I pop into branch with the following items...." driving license etc, looked up my nearest co-op branch and it is over 50 miles away! I have phoned them to cancel the application and I am opening up a basic account with Natwest today

MrSilk

pmduk wrote: »

Have you tried opening the account online? This often, but not always, avoids the need to produce id in branch

If you are on the ER then you shouldn't need to visit a branch to produce ID. In March, before I was on the ER when I opened up my NatWest Select Account I was required to produce my passport and driving licence. In June I registered myself on the ER, and last week I successfully opened up an account with Lloyds TSB which didn't require a visit the branch to produce ID.

If they can confirm your identity electronically then it's fine

united66

Well, it is true that persistence pays off. I have just opened an Advantage Gold Account with Natwest having what I thought was poor credit. Seems as though having a rubbish rate credit card (and paying it up monthly) and a bit of perseverance pays off. I applied for Standard current account online, got offered all there accounts. Took advantage gold as many of benefits I need. Took my driving licence to bank and got my account number and sort code there and then! She said I have no credit limitations as long as I manage my account sensibly. That included credit cards & overdrafts although I haven't taken any and plan on keeping it that way for now. Glad to be finally back on the full account and credit ladder!